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The peaceful "small town" atmosphere of Ninilchik and it's central location make it the ideal place to stay when you tour Alaska's Kenai Peninsula. Ninilchik is far enough from "city life" to give a sample of the flavor of real Alaska, yet close enough to everything to make it convenient. The community itself offers full amenities with beautiful campgrounds, both public and private, lodging and restaurant facilities. Shopping for tourist treasures provides a worthwhile venture in Ninilchik, with several unique shops to choose from.

Beaches, rivers and boat launches provide access to Cook Inlet for world-class salmon and halibut fishing. Many charter services are available for some of the finest saltwater fishing to be found anywhere in the world! Be sure to buy a ticket for our annual Halibut derby held May thru August. The angler who catches the largest halibut will win $2,500. A derby ticket costs $7 and is good for 7 days from the date of purchase or until the ticket holder weighs in a halibut. Weekly and monthly prizes will be awarded.

A photographic haven lodged in history and in legend, Ninilchik is a fishing community that lives up to it's given name, "peaceful settlement by a river." The flavor of this old Russian fur trading village still emphasizes it's past prominence. The old Russian Orthodox Church, built in 1900, and the historic cemetery overlook the entire rustic village of Ninilchik, and peacefully share the brilliant Alaskan sunset skyline with Mount Redoubt and Mount Iliamna, which are perched across Cook Inlet. Ninilchik extends north and south along the Sterling Highway from mile markers 134 to 138. Today the main livelihood comes from commercial fishing, sportfishing and tourism. Many people gather at the Ninilchik small boat harbor to watch the colorful commercial fleet come in at high tide and "off load" their catch or travel through town to see the sport fleet 'catch of the day".

This fish was caught Sept. 20, 1987 off Deep Creek in 38 feet of water. Estimated weight 466 lbs. Length 94.75 inches. Caught by Kathleen McCann of Ninilchik, Alaska, with help from Joe McCann and Delbert Castellaw.